Spectroline's UV leak detection dye is reported to have been approved for use with Emerson's Copeland compressors, making it the only third-party additive approved by Copeland.
Ultraviolet leak detection works by injecting a system with fluorescent dye. This circulates, and pinpoints any leak points when a UV torch is shone over pipes and joins. The method is fast, and unlike other methods, the UV dye continues to mark leak sites even after all refrigerant has escaped.

Vern Klein from Advanced Engineering, Spectroline's UK distributor, believes the approval will make a real difference to engineers, he said: 'This fantastic news underlines what we already knew: Spectroline is extremely safe for use with compressors of all kinds.

'This careful design means it's fine to use Spectroline dye as part of preventative maintenance: you can leave it in the system more-or-less indefinitely, and simply scan with the torch every so often. What could be simpler? This approval gives engineers more choice - and will save them a lot of time, hassle and refrigerant.'

The confirmation from Emerson covers HFC/POE and HCFC/mineral oil at concentrations recommended by Spectronics, the manufacturer of Spectroline.

• For more information on Spectroline visit: www.advancedengineering.co.uk.